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Laparoscopic surgery involves small incisions into the abdomen which is why you can be recovered from it fast and resume the activities you love.
You can use the sauna after 2-3 weeks of having the laparoscopic surgery because that is how long people generally need to properly heal from the surgery. That said, we strongly advise that you consult with your doctor once, even if you feel you are ready for a sauna session.
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In the rest of the article, we are going to dive into the factors you need to consider before using the sauna and the precautions you need to take while using the sauna post-surgery. We have also discussed the steps you should be taking to recover from the surgery as soon as possible.
Table of Contents
- Factors to Consider When Using Sauna Post-Laparoscopic Surgery
- Precautions You Need to Take While Using Sauna
- Post-Laparoscopic Surgery Care & Recovery
- Conclusion
Factors to Consider When Using Sauna Post-Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that requires less time for recovery. This is why may be eager to return to your usual activities like using the sauna as soon as possible but there are certain factors you need to consider before stepping into the sauna post-surgery.
Since the recovery process differs from person to person, we can’t tell you when exactly you can start using the sauna. Our goal with this section is to equip you with the information to need to make a sound decision.
So, let’s look at the factors you need to consider before stepping into a sauna after recovering from laparoscopic surgery:
1. High Temperature Affects Wounds
High temperatures can cause inflammation and tissue damage, slowing the wound-healing process. It can also cause dehydration, tissue dryness, and vasoconstriction by reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the wound site. And this can lead to delayed healing, and increased risk of infection among other complications.
Exposure to high temperatures after surgery may not be appropriate, especially when the incision has not completely healed or swelling is present. So you need to consult your physician first and wait for their approval before considering using the sauna after your surgery.
2. Risk of Infection While Using Sauna
Using the sauna with an open wound is extremely dangerous because high heat can cause inflammation and it can lead to infection, especially if your wound has not healed completely. The risk is even higher, if you don’t have access to a private sauna and have to rely on public saunas because the more people use the sauna, the dirtier it gets.
To minimize the risk of infection, practice good hygiene and ensure that your surgical incision is entirely healed before you step into the sauna.
3. Steam Room or Infrared Sauna?
You can use any of these sauna after your surgery. They both offer similar benefits and one is not better than the other. It’s a matter of personal preference.
If you have access to both types of sauna then you try consulting your physician to help determine the most suitable option. But if you have access to only one type of sauna, go ahead with that option.
Precautions You Need to Take While Using Sauna
Even after your surgery wound heals, you will need to be careful when using the sauna because there’s always a risk of infection, dehydration, and sickness. Let’s take a look at the precautions you need to take while using a sauna post-surgery.
a. Avoid Exposing Open Wounds
After laparoscopic surgery, it’s crucial to avoid exposing your open wounds to the heat and humidity of a sauna. Heat can cause vasodilation and potentially slow down the healing process. Wait until your incisions have completely healed and there’s no visible swelling or signs of infection before considering a sauna session.
b. Wear Suitable Clothes & Bandage Properly
When using a sauna after surgery, make sure to wear loose, breathable clothing to allow proper air circulation around the surgical area. Additionally, if you have any tape or bandages in place, consult with your healthcare provider about their suitability for use in a sauna. Heat and sweating may affect the adhesive, leading to irritation or the bandages becoming loose.
c. Start With Short Sessions
Once you have received clearance from your healthcare provider to use a sauna, it’s essential to start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration. Monitor your body’s response and make sure you don’t push yourself too much. Limiting your sauna sessions to 15-20 minutes is a safe and effective approach to avoid complications.
d. Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Ultimately, the decision to use a sauna after laparoscopic surgery should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. Each person’s surgery and recovery process is different. Your healthcare provider can give you customized advice and recommendations on when it’s safe to use a sauna, considering your specific condition and healing progress.
Post-Laparoscopic Surgery Care & Recovery
After the laparoscopic surgery, it’s essential to prioritize your recovery and give your body time to heal. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to recover quickly.
i. Take Prescribed Pain Medication
Your doctor may have prescribed pain medication to help manage discomfort following the surgery. Make sure that you take the medication as directed and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse side effects.
ii. Intake of Fluid & Prevent Dehydration
Keeping yourself hydrated is an important part of your recovery process. So make sure you are drinking enough water. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages because they dehydrate you easily. Staying hydrated can also help prevent constipation, which is something you are likely to experience because of pain medication.
iii. Intake Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role in the healing of surgical wounds and scars. To promote proper healing, get some daily sunshine when possible, or consider taking a vitamin D supplement after discussing it with your healthcare provider. Additionally, keep your incisions clean and dry, and follow your doctor’s instructions for effective scar management.
iv. A Word on Resuming Work
When it comes to resuming work and daily activities, listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recommendations. Depending on the procedure, the recovery period may vary from 2-3 weeks. Refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous activities until cleared by your healthcare provider. It’s essential to give your body the necessary time to heal before returning to your regular routine.
Lastly, while it may be tempting to use a sauna to relax after surgery, it’s important to wait until your incisions have healed and any swelling has subsided. Always seek your doctor’s clearance before using a sauna or engaging in any other activities that could impact your recovery.
Conclusion
In summary, using a sauna after laparoscopic surgery can be beneficial; however, it is essential to consult your physician before doing so. Your doctor can determine if using a sauna is safe for your specific condition and recommend the best course of action.
Keep in mind that waiting 2-3 weeks after surgery before attempting a sauna session is generally recommended. Proper wound care is crucial, and you should avoid saunas if there is visible pus or drainage from your wound.
Ultimately, by ensuring proper recovery and seeking professional guidance, you can make informed decisions about using a sauna after laparoscopic surgery and enjoy its potential benefits as part of your healing journey.
(Featured image by Anna Shets from Pexels)
